For nearly 30 years, Facilities Management employees have supported the annual student-run charitable program in the Darden School of Business. Originally named Christmas in April, Building Goodness in April reflects Darden’s 2007 partnership with Charlottesville’s Building Goodness Foundation.
Each spring, students and professionals team up to improve local homes and non-profit facilities, including renovating homes for elderly, low-income and disabled neighbors.
Former Chief Facilities Officer Gene Shirley, an original member of the program’s oversight committee, rebuilding a porch. McCormick Zone Carpenter Doug Matthews measuring siding. (Photos contributed by Mike Merriam / UVA Facilities Management)
Since 2010, Associate Director for Maintenance Mike Merriam has coordinated a group of Academic Maintenance employees to support the program. Staff members have worked both on and off the clock, guiding student volunteers and performing repairs that require advanced skills. Recent projects have included addressing leaks, installing siding, improving electrical wiring, installing an accessible shower and replacing a collapsing porch.
Merriam wrote to employees who volunteered on the spring 2021 project, “Thank you so much for contributing your volunteer time to help out a neighbor in need. It was a hard two days of work, but just look at the difference you made!”
Before and after of 2021 project to replace siding. (Photos contributed by Mike Merriam / UVA Facilities Management)